February 3, 2024 ~ Reggae bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, percussionist, arranger, songwriter, producer Aston Barrett, full name Aston Francis Barrett, passed away in Miami, Florida, USA ~ Helped define the role of the bass in reggae. Brother of drummer Carlton Barrett. Best known as longtime associate of Bob Marley, serving as bassist, arranger, and bandleader from 1969 until Marley's death a dozen years later. Earned the nickname “Family Man” for his role in Marley's backing unit. One of the first to incorporate a drum machine in reggae, as heard in Marley songs such as No Woman No Cry, So Jah Seh, and Johnny Was. Mentored Robbie Shakespeare of Sly & Robbie, who at some point commented: “He is a master for me. I have had help and influences from other people, but I have to give it mostly to Family Man.” ~ Barrett was born in 1946
February 3, 2023 ~ Alternative rock, grunge singer, guitarist Paul Janovitz passed away in Bedford, Massachusetts, USA ~ Younger brother of Buffalo Tom frontman Bill Janovitz. Formed Cold Water Flat with bassist Ted Silva and drummer Paul Harding, known for the 1990s albums Listen and Cold Water Flat. Janovitz also worked as a photographer, noted for taking the photo of Booker T Jones that was used for the cover art of Jones's 2013 Sound The Alarm album ~ Janovitz was born ca.1969
February 3, 2022 ~ Pop, classical, orchestral guitarist, singer Peter Brideoake, full name Peter Arthur Brideoake, passed away in Adelaide, Australia ~ Member of 1960s pop group the Twilights, with whom he scored hits such as Needle In A Haystack and What's Wrong With The Way I Live. Following the band's disbandement in the late-1960s, Brideoake returned to college to formally study music and has since established himself as a songwriter and university lecturer ~ Brideoake was born in 1945
February 3, 2021 ~ Folk, traditional pop, bluegrass singer, guitarist, songwriter, activist Anne Feeney passed away in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Member of bluegrass outfit Cucumber Rapids. Best known as a lawyer and activist, focusing on social issues and especially women's rights. Debuted as a solo artist with the album Look To The Left in 1992 and has recorded as a solo artist consistently since ~ Feeney was born in 1951
February 3, 2021 ~ Singer, songwriter Jim Weatherly, full name James Dexter Weatherly, passed away in Brentwood, Mississippi, USA ~ Revered singer, songwriter wrote or co-wrote songs recorded by pop, R&B and country artists including Bob Luman, Gladys Knight (Neither One Of Us (Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye), Midnight Train To Georgia), Glen Campbell (A Lady Like You), Kenny Rogers, Asha Puthli, Ray Price (If You Ever Change Your Mind), Neil Diamond, Carl Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Garth Brooks, Lynn Anderson, Brenda Lee, Batdorf & Rodney, and others ~ Weatherly was born in 1943
February 3, 2019 ~ Kirill Aleksandrovich Tolmatsky, commonly known as hip-hop, reggae, ragga rapper, singer Detsl, passed away in Izhevsk, Russia ~ Debuted his full-length debut album Who Are You in 2000, instantly becoming a teen idol. At one time also recorded under the moniker Le Truk in an effort to distance himself from his earlier material. Has repeatedly publicly entertained the idea of faking his own death. Died unexpectedly at age 35 of a heart attack after performing at a private birthday party ~ Tolmatsky was born in 1983
February 3, 2018 ~ Leon Chancler, commonly known as drummer Leon Ndugu Chancler, passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known for his association with Santana. Has sporadically recorded as a solo artist and formed the late-1970s funk outfit the Chocolate Jam Co, with whom he recorded the albums The Spread Of The Future and Do I Make You Feel Better. In-demand session drummer in jazz, pop, and funk. Present on albums by Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, George Duke (Faces In Reflection), Patrice Rushen, the Weather Report, Labelle, Gato Barbieri, Minnie Riperton (Minnie), Wilton Felder, Donna Summer, the Dazz Band, Michael Jackson (Thriller), James Ingram, Frank Sinatra, Tina Turner (Private Dancer), Kenny Rogers, John Lee Hooker (The Healer), Robbie Robertson, George Benson, and Sheena Easton ~ Chancler was born in 1952
February 3, 2016 ~ Angela Herminia, commonly known as singer, actress Alba Solis, passed away ~ Argentine vedetta whose style was characterized by singing tangos in a dramatic manner ~ Lamberti was born in 1927
February 3, 2016 ~ Drummer, singer, songwriter Maurice White passed away in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as co-founder of Earth Wind & Fire sharing co-lead vocal duties with Philip Bailey. Previously a Chess Records session drummer backing artists such as Etta James, Chuck Berry, Rotary Connection, Junior Wells, Sonny Stitt, Muddy Waters, the Impressions, the Dells, Betty Everett, Willie Dixon, Sugar Pie DeSanto, and Buddy Guy. Also backed Fontella Bass on Rescue Me, Billy Stewart on Summertime and Jackie Wilson on (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher. Member of the Jazzmen. Member of Ramsey Lewis Trio. Produced or c-produced for a number of R&B and pop artists including Deniece Williams (This Is Niecy, Song Bird), the Emotions, Minnie Riperton (Come To My Garden), Ramsey Lewis. Jennifer Holliday, Barbra Streisand (Emotion), the Urban Knights, and Paul Taylor ~ White was born in 1941
February 3, 2009 ~ Singer Delta Goodrem plays the first of two consecutive nights at the State Theatre, Sydney, Australia ~ With three Australian No.1 albums to her name, Goodrem played her second headlining tour, the first in in four years, playing some 14 dates in just under a month. The two final concerts of her Believe Again Tour would be filmed and recorded, used for a live DVD with a running time of a little over three hours released later the same year. Cover design for the DVD was placed in the hands of her fans, the winning design selected through an online competition on her website
February 3, 2009 ~ Steel guitarist Tom Brumley, full name Thomas Rexton Brumley, passed away in San Antonio, Texas, USA ~ Son of renowned gospel singer, songwriter, music publisher Albert E Brumley. Known best for his longtime association with Buck Owens, including on key recordings such as I've Got A Tiger By The Tail, Act Naturally and notably Together Again. Also worked with Ricky Nelson, Chris Hillman, the Desert Rose Band, Glen Campbell, Guthrie Thomas, Merle Haggard, Dwight Yoakam, Chris Isaak, Waylon Jennings, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Ray Price, Rod Stewart, the Light Crust Doughboys, and others ~ Brumley was born in 1935
February 3, 2003 ~ Jerome Albert Link Heinz, commonly known as operatic bass singer Jerome Hines, passed away in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ Made his operatic debut at the San Francisco Opera in 1941, portraying the role of Monterone in Giuseppe Verdi's Rigoletto. Would Anglicise his surname to Hines due to the prevalent anti-German sentiment at the start of World War II. Best known for his longtime association with the Metropolitan Opera from 1946 through 1987, his stage presence and a stentorian voice. His 1946 Met debut would make him the first US-born singer to tackle the role of Gudonov, the title role in Modest Mussorgsky's Boris Gudonov. He would reprise the role in 1968 at the Bolshoi Theatre, famously for Soviet leader Nikita Kruschev on the eve of the resolution of the Cuban Missile Crisis ~ Heinz was born in 1921
February 3, 2002 ~ Southern gospel singer James Blackwood, full name James Webre Blackwood, passed away in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ The only person to have been nominated for a Grammy Award for 28 consecutive years, winning 9 times including for the 1966 album The Grand Old Gospel and its 1967 follow-up More Grand Old Gospel both of which collaborations of Porter Wagoner and the Blackwood Brothers ~ Blackwood was born in 1919
February 3, 1992 ~ Herman Cook, commonly known as hard bop tenor saxophonist Junior Cook passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Best known for his association with Horace Silver. Also worked with Dizzy Gillespie, Blue Mitchell, Freddie Hubbard, Elvin Jones, George Coleman, Louis Hayes, Bill Hardman, McCoy Tyner, Clifford Jordan, Kenny Burrell, Cedar Walton, Louis Hayes, Larry Gales, Bertha Hope, and others ~ Cook was born in 1934
February 3, 1990 ~ Kisean Paul Anderson, commonly known as hip-hop, reggae fusion, dancehall, dance-pop singer, rapper, songwriter Sean Kingston born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Known for hits such as Fire Burning and Eenie Meenie and his debut single and perhaps his biggest hit Beautiful Girls, the latter topping the Billboard Hot 100 in 2007. Has collaborated with Natasha Bedingfield, Baby Bash, Bun B, Flo Rida, Gorilla Zoe, Dizzee Rascal, and others
February 3, 1988 ~ Chantelle Paige, commonly known as actress, pop singer, songwriter Chantelle Paige, born ~ Member of R&B, rap group Flipsyde, present on the band's 2009 State Of Survival sophomore album. Prior to her stint with the band gained attention through her MySpace videos and as an unsigned artist has opened for the likes of the Pussycat Dolls, Robin Thicke, Pretty Ricky and others
February 3, 1988 ~ Rock, math rock, post-hardcore bassist Tim Feerick born ~ Best known as member of Dance Gavin Dance, initially as a touring member. Feerick became an official full-time member in 2013. The band is best known as thriving force behind and regular headliner of Swanfest music festival and for their 2016 Mothership album which reached top 20 on the Billboard Hot 200 album charts ~ Feerick passed away in 2022
February 3, 1986 ~ Radio DJ Angelique Houtveen born in Utrecht, the Netherlands ~ Active on Dutch national radio since the early-2010s. Won the 2013 Marconi Award for “Aanstormend Talent” (Up and comer). Especially knowledgeable in R&B, rap, hip-hop from the 1990s onwards. Has worked for stations such as 3FM, NPO Radio 6 and FunX
February 3, 1981 ~ Sebastien Akchoté-Bozovic, mononymously known as DJ, producer Sebastian, born in Boulogne-Billancourt, France ~ Actively recording since the late-2000s, his 2008 Remixes debut album consisting of remixes, his 2011 sophomore Total filled with originals. Has composed soundtracks for the films Our Day Will Come, The World Is Yours and Steak, also acting in the latter. Has served as remixer and producer for the likes of Charlotte Gainsbourg, Daft Punk, the Beastie Boys, Kavinsky, Frank Ocean, Uffie, and Yoann Lemoine
February 3, 1980 ~ Conductor, arranger, film composer Ray Heindorf, full name Raymond John Heindorf, passed away in Tarzana, California, USA ~ Staff composer, arranger, conductor working for Warner Bros for nearly four decades. Notable credits include the 1954 Judy Garland film A Star Is Born, serving as musical director. Won three Academy Awards for Best Score of a Musical, namely for Yankee Doodle Dandy, This Is The Army, and The Music Man ~ Heindorf was born in 1908
February 3, 1978 ~ Leslie Feist, commonly known as indie pop singer, guitarist, keyboardist, drummer Feist, born in Amherst, Canada ~ Member of Broken Social Scene. Debuted as a solo artist with the Monarch (Lay Your Jewelled Head Down) album in 1999 and though her debut itself did little, Feist has been recording to critical acclaim and commercial success since. Known for songs such as Mushaboom, My Moon My Man, 1234 and How Come You Never Go There
February 3, 1977 ~ Ramón Luis Ayala Rodriguez, commonly known as rapper, singer, songwriter Daddy Yankee, born in San Juan, Puerto Rico ~ Known as “the King of Reggaeton”, a genre he not only helped define but also actually named coining the term. Known for songs such as Gasolina, Los Que Pasó Pasó and Rompé. Has collaborated with Yandel, De La Ghetto, Luis Fonsi, Romeo Santos, Play 'n Skillz, Natti Natasha, and others
February 3, 1976 ~ Øyvind Sauvik, commonly known as hip-hop, rap singer, songwriter Vinni, born in Arendal, Norway ~ Formed the hip hop duo the Paperboys with Jarle JJ Hollerud. The duo would score the hits What You Need, One Day, Wiggle It, Keep It Cool, and Lonesome Traveler, all of which would reach top 10 in their native Norway. Sauvik has subsequently recorded as a solo artist, starting with the album Happily Lost released in 2010 with his backing unit under the monniker Vinni & the Vagabonds. Well-known solo hits include Sommerfuggel I Vinterland and Godmorgen Norge
February 3, 1974 ~ Rock keyboardist, drummer, bassist, singer Anders Hunstad born in Norway ~ Best known for his associations with SOT, Satyricon and especially Sarke. Has also worked with Ravana, Professor Balthazar, Autopulver, El Caco, Surferosa, Tulus, and Meanderthals
February 3, 1973 ~ Andriamananentena Paul Razafinkarefo, commonly known as songwriter, lyricist Andy Razaff, passed away in North Hollywood, California, USA ~ Remembered for co-penning songs such as Honeysuckle Rose (Bert Stock, Mildred Bailey, Louis Jordan, Horace Henderson), S'posin' (Bob Haring, Rudy Vallée, Erskine Hawkins, the Chordettes), Keepin' Out Of Mischief Now (Louis Armstrong, Lee Wiley, Dinah Washington, Barbra Streisand), Stompin' At The Savoy (Judy Garland, Stan Kenton, Maxine Sullivan), You're Lucky To Me (Ethel Waters), The Joint Is Jumpin' (Fats Waller), and Ain't Misbehavin' (Margaret Simms & Paul Bass, the Charleston Chasers, Chester Gaylord) ~ Razafinkarefo was born in 1895
February 3, 1970 ~ Guitarist, singer, songwriter Richie Kotzen born in Reading, Pennsylvania, USA ~ As a solo artist well over a dozen albums to his name starting in the late-1980s, especially acclaimed for his sophomore album Fever Dream released in 1990. Member of glam metal outfit Poison from 1991 through 1993, pop rock band Mr Big from 1999 through 2002, frontman of supergroup Winery Dogs since 2012
February 3, 1970 ~ Stephanie Salas Banquelis, commonly known as pop singer, actress Stephanie Salas, born in Mexico City, Mexico ~ Made her show business debut at age eight singing alongside her mother Silvia Pasquel on the TV show Noche A Noche. Would first turn to acting, featured in several popular telenovas. As a singer released her ful-length Ave Maria in 1992 and has been both acting and recording steadily since, with hiatuses to focus on her family life
February 3, 1968 ~ Rock, pop rock guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, percussionist, singer, songwriter Eric M Fowler born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, USA ~ Member of the Boxing Gandhis, first appearing on the band's 1996 Howard sophomore album. As a session musician has worked with artists such as Sting, UB40, Rosanne Cash, Clint Black, George Clinton, and others
February 3, 1967 ~ Robert George Meek, commonly known as producer Joe Meek, passed away in London, UK ~ Pioneered space age pop and recording practices such as overdubbing, sampling and reverberation. One of the first producers, engineers to be recognized for his individual identity as an artist. Wrote and produced the Tornados's Telstar, the first single by a British rock group to reach No.1 on the American Billboard Hot 100. Other singles produced by Meek include Johnny Remember Me for John Leyton, Just Like Eddie for Heinz, Angela Jones for Michael Cox, Have I The Right for the Honeycombs and Tribute To Buddy Holly for Mike Berry ~ Meek was born in 1929
February 3, 1965 ~ Pop rock guitarist Nick Hawkins born in Luton, UK ~ Best known as guitarist for Big Audio Dynamite II from 1990 through 1997, including on the hits Rush and Globe. Hawkins would also work as a producer, including for his wife Jo Beng, and as a film composer. At the time of his death of a heart attack at age 40, Hawkins was working on a still unreleased solo album titled Dusk Till Dawn, scheduled to be released in 2006 ~ Hawkins passed away in 2005
February 3, 1964 ~ Country singer, songwriter Matraca Berg, full name Matraca Maria Berg, born in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ As a solo artist known best for Baby Walk On and The Things You Left Undone. Has written songs for TG Sheppard, Karen Brooks, Trisha Yearwood (The Wrong Side Of Memphis), Randy Travis, Tanya Tucker, Ray Price, Gretchen Wilson, Marie Osmond, the Sweethearts Of The Rodeo, Deana Carter (Strawberry Wine), Patty Loveless (You Can Feel Bad), Reba McEntire (The Last One To Know), Suzy Bogguss, Linda Ronstadt, Patricia Conroy, Sara Evans (Fool I'm A Woman), Mindy McCready, and Kenny Chesney
February 3, 1964 ~ Drummer, songwriter, producer Simon Hanson born ~ Best known as drummer for Death In Vegas from 1998 through 2004, first appearing on the The Contino Sessions album released in 1999. Has also worked with Delusion, the Aloof, Rick Wakeman, Ozzy Osbourne, Glenn Tilbrook, the Boy Least Likely To, Squeeze, Secret Affair, the Quireboys, and others
February 3, 1963 ~ R&B singer Antoine TCD Lundy born in Harlem, New York, USA ~ Best known as a member of the Force MD's, scoring a string of 1980s hits including their best known 1985's Tender Love, featured in the film Krush Groove and reaching the Billboard top 10 ~ Lundy passed away in 1998
February 3, 1961 ~ Singer, musical actress Linda Eder born in Tucson, Arizona, USA ~ Won a Theater World Award for Best Broadway Debut for her leading role of Lucy Harris in a 1997 production of Jekyll & Hyde, a role which also won her nominations for Drama Desk Award and Outer Critic's Circle. As a solo artist has been recording since the early-1990s, starting with the 1991 eponymous Linda Eder album
February 3, 1959 ~ Laurence Andrew Tolhurst, commonly known as post-punk, alternative rock, new wave drummer, keyboardist Lol Tolhurst, born in Horley, UK ~ Founding member of the Cure, remaining with the band through 1989 and present on some of the band's best known songs including A Forest, The Walk, The Love Cats, Caterpillar and In Between Days. Has also worked with the short-lived Presence recording a sole album, 1993's Inside. In the early-2000s founded Levinhurst with Cindy Levinson, his second wife
February 3, 1957 ~ Avant-garde, industrial, dark ambient; noise singer, producer Steven Stapleton, full name Steve Peter Appleton, born in Finchley, UK ~ Considered a pioneer of British industrial music. Draws from a wide range of influences including improvisation, folk and Latin American dance. Sole constant member of Nurse With Wound. In-demand collaborator and producer. Has worked with David Tibet, Tony Wakeford, the Nodding Folk, Current '93, Foetus, Whitehouse, Earthmonkey, and others
February 3, 1956 ~ Singer, guitarist, producer Alf Klimek, full name Alfons Joseph Klimek, born in Melbourne, Australia ~ Lead singer of new German wave rock band Spliff from 1980 through 1982. After Klimek's departure the band would revert back to singing in German, lead vocal duties shared between the remaining members. Klimek subsequently fronted the Other Ones, best known for the single Holiday of their eponymous 1986 The Other Ones debut album
February 3, 1956 ~ Guitarist Lee Ranaldo born in Glen Cove, New York, USA ~ Co-founding member of pioneering noise rock outfit Sonic Youth, acclaimed for the albums Sister and Daydream Nation released respectively in 1987 and 1988. Served as producer for acts such as Babes In Toyland, You Am I, Magik Markers, Kleg, and others
February 3, 1949 ~ Glam rock bassist Arthur Kane, full name Arthur Harold Kane Jr, born in the Bronx, New York, USA ~ Co-founding member of the New York Dolls, remaining with the band through 1975. Present on the band's key albums, 1973's The New York Dolls and 1974's Too Much Too Soon. Kane has also worked with Blackie Lawless, Sid Vicious, the London Cowboys, and the Corpse Grinders ~ Kane passed away in 2004
February 3, 1949 ~ Ferdinand van Eis, commonly known as blues singer Oscar Benton, born in Haarlem, the Netherlands ~ Duetted with Monica Verschoor on All I Ever Need Is You and Everybody's Telling Me, the latter a top 20 hit in the Netherlands in 1972. Fronted the Oscar Benton Blues Band. Best known for 1974's Roll On Sweet Mississippi and Bensonhurst Blues, the latter a hit in France after the song was included in the 1981 crime-thriller Pour La Peau D'Un Flic starring Alain Delon ~ Van Eis passed away in 2020
February 3, 1948 ~ Bassist Bruce Barlow born in Oxnard, California, USA ~ Member of Commander Cody & his Lost Planet Airmen, known for merging country, rock & roll, western swing, rockabilly, jump blues and boogie-woogie piano. The band scored a Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit with Hot Rod Lincoln of their 1971 Lost In The Ozone album
February 3, 1948 ~ Jazz singer Dennis Rowland born in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Influenced by Joe Williams. Toured with Count Basie for seven years starting in 1977. Released a number of solo recordings and collaborated with Wendell Harrison, Ray Anthony, Joe Sample, Frank Foster, and others. Also known as an actor, notably in the film Real Gone Cat, released in 2006
February 3, 1948 ~ Keyboardist, singer Jim Lockhart born ~ Best known as member of Horslips, who initially found little success but in time would become to be regarded as founding fathers of Celtic rock best known for their 1976 The Book Of Invasions album. The band would break up in 1980 but reemerge in the 1990s as interest grew. Lockhart plays keyboards, pipes, whistles and flute
February 3, 1947 ~ Guitarist Dave Davies, full name David Russell Gordon Davies, born in Muswell Hill, UK ~ Lead guitarist, co-founding member of the Kinks, and along with his older brother Ray Davies the only constant members of the band. Wrote or co-wrote and sang lead on Party Line, The Death Of A Clown and Strangers. Has also released a number of solo albums, starting with AFL1-3603 in 1980 on which Davies played all instruments himself
February 3, 1947 ~ Melanie Anne Safka, mononymously known as folk, pop singer, guitarist Melanie, born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Over two dozen albums to her name, enjoying popularity especially during the late-1960s and early-1970s emerging from New York's Greenwich Village folk scene. Best known for the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits Lay Down (Candles In The Rain) and Brand New Key, the latter a No.1 hit in 1971, and the Rolling Stones-cover Ruby Tuesday which reached top 10 in the UK. Along with Janis Joplin and Joan Baez, Safka was one of only three solo women to perform at the Woodstock Music and Art Fair in 1969, of which she later said: “An unbelievably frightening day. I never even felt like I was a hippy, I didn't like the term. If anything, I was the beat generation, people in the Village expressing themselves in so many ways, not being pigeonholed.” ~ Safka passed away in 2024
February 3, 1945 ~ Tuba player Bob Stewart born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Has worked with Charles Mingus, Gil Evans, Carla Bley, David Murray, Taj Mahal, Dizzy Gillespie, McCoy Tyner, Freddie Hubbard, Don Cherry, Nicholas Payton, Wynton Marsalis, Charlie Haden, Lester Bowie, Bill Frisell, Arthur Blythe, Ray Anderson, Henry Butler, Uri Caine, Don Cherry, Chris Joris, and Herb Robertson
February 3, 1944 ~ Patricia Ann Ruth Noble, commonly known as singer, actress Trisha Noble, born in Marrickville, Australia ~ Enjoyed popularity in her native Australia as a teenage pop singer under the moniker Patsy Ann Noble in the early-1960s, scoring several modest hits including Good Looking Boy. Would relocate to UK and later USA, focusing on her work as an actress with guest roles in TV shows such as The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Columbo, The Rockford Files. Following her father's illness Noble returned to Australia in the 1980s, reestablishing herself as a theatrical actress ~ Noble passed away in 2021
February 3, 1943 ~ R&B, soul, psychedelic soul, disco singer Dennis Edwards born in Fairfields, Alabama, USA ~ Member of the Mighty Clouds Of Joy. Member of the Contours. Best known as member of the Temptations from 1968, replacing David Ruffin, through 1977, rejoining on later occasions. Helped transition the band through its psychedelic soul and later still disco era, singing lead on songs such as Cloud Nine, I Can't Get Next To You, Ball Of Confusion (That's What The World Is Today), Papa Was A Rollin' Stone and Shakey Ground. As a solo artist known for a number of 1980s recordings, perhaps most notably his 1984 hit duet Don't Look Any Further with Siedah Garrett. Once romantically involved with Aretha Franklin, the latter stating her Daydreaming was inspired by Edwards. Briefly married to the Pointer Sisters-singer Ruth Pointer, with whom he has one daughter ~ Edwards passed away in 2018
February 3, 1940 ~ Marijke Ouwejan, commonly known as actress, singer Marijke Merckens, born in Magelang, Indonesia ~ Best known as an actress for stage, TV and film active since the early-1960s, notably known for her role as Rosmarijn in the TV series De Zevensprong. As a singer known for songs such as Happy End, Mammie, Kareltje De Grote, and De Modepop, the latter a Dutch-language version of France Gall's 1965 Eurovision Songfestival-winner Poupée De Cire (Poupée De Son) ~ Ouwejan passed away in 2023
February 3, 1939 ~ R&B, soul, pop singer, producer, songwriter Johnny Bristol, full name John William Bristol, passed born in Morganton, North Carolina, USA ~ As a solo artist scored a 1974 hit with Hang On In There Baby, which reached top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic. However, Bristol is best known as a songwriter and producer. Bristol co-wrote Someday We'll Be Together, best known as a 1969 Billboard Hot 100 No.1 hit for the Supremes, the last single by the girl group to feature Diana Ross. Bristol also co-wrote Love Me For A Reason, a 1974 Billboard Hot 100 No.10 hit for the Osmonds, and revived by Boyzone two decades later. Both songs had originally been recorded by Bristol in the early-1960s, the former as part of a duo with Jackey Beavers, the latter as a solo artist. Artists who recorded songs written or produced by Bristol include Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, Edwin Starr (25 Miles), the Velvelettes, David Ruffin (My Whole World Ended The Moment You Left Me), Gladys Knight & the Pips, Junior Walker & the All-Stars, the Four Tops (What Is A Man), the Miracles, Randy Crawford, Boz Scaggs (I Got Your Number), Marlena Shaw, Jermaine Jackson, Johnny Mathis, Tavares, Margie Joseph, and the Jackson Sisters. Bristol has one daughter with Iris Gordy, his second wife and the niece of Motown executive Berry Gordy Jr ~ Bristol passed away in 2004
February 3, 1938 ~ R&B singer, guitarist, songwriter Jimmy Hughes born in Temecula, California, USA ~ Cousin of Percy Sledge. Member of gospel quartet the Singing Clouds. Member of the Darling Buds. As a solo artist best known for his 1964 self-penned single Steal Away, a recording that helped define Muscle Shoals sound. His career would wane with his label turning their attention to the Beatles and the Four Seasons but reemerged at the end of the decade. Other well known songs include Try Me, Neighbour Neighbour, I Worship The Ground You Walk On, Why Not Tonight and I Like Everything About You ~ Hughes passed away in 1997
February 3, 1937 ~ Jazz drummer Bobby Durham born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Active since his mid-teens, starting with the Orioles at age 16. Following a stint in the Army, where he played in a military band, Durham would become an in-demand accompanist and session drummer, a favorite of producer Norman Granz. Best known for his associations with pianist Oscar Peterson, singer Ella Fitzgerald, and organists Charles Earland and Shirley Scott. After relocating to New York by the early-1960s, his career took off, employed by the likes of Wild Bill Davis, Lionel Hampton, Count Basie, Slide Hampton, Grant Green, Harry Sweets Edison, Tommy Flanagan, Jimmy Rowles, and Duke Ellington. Outside of jazz, Durham has appeared on recordings by James Brown, Ray Charles, and Marvin Gaye. Later on in his career, Durham has recorded as a leader starting with Bobby Durham Trio released in 1979, and several more in the 2000s, the late-1990s boom of acid jazz renewing an interest in Durham's work ~ Durham passed away in 2008
February 3, 1935 ~ John Watson Jr, commonly known as blues, soul, funk singer, guitarist, songwriter Johnny Guitar Watson, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Active since the mid-1950s working with artists such as the Shields, Larry Williams, Little Richard, Don & Dewey, Johnny Otis, and others. Best known for a string of funky 1970s hits such as Ain't That A Bitch, Superman Lover and his biggest hit A Real Mother For Ya, the latter reaching top 10 on the American R&B charts in 1977 and in retrospect considered one of grooviest dancefloor fillers of the day. His music would later be sampled by various hip-hop and rap artists including Redman, Ice Cube, Eazy E, Snoop Dogg, Dr Dre, Jay-Z, and Mary J Blige. Watson died of a heart attack, suffered on stage, at age 61 while on tour in Japan ~ Watson passed away in 1996
February 3, 1933 ~ Jazz, avant-garde, jazz fusion saxophonist John Handy, full name John Richard Handy III, born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Rose to prominence in the 1950s backing pianist Charles Mingus, including on the seminal 1959 Mingus Ah Uhm album. Led several ensembles in the 1960s, noted for the albums John Handy and The 2nd John Handy Album. Also noted as a member of 1980s outfit Bebop & Beyond, recording tributes album to Dizzy Gillespie and Thelonious Monk
February 3, 1933 ~ R&B singer Varetta Dillard, full name Varetta Mamie Dillard, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Encouraged to enter talent contests by the Chords singer Carl Feaster. Would go on to be signed by Savoy Records in 1951 after winning two consecutive competitions at the Apollo Theatre, New York. Recorded a number of unsuccessful singles, prior to reaching top 10 Billboard R&B with Easy Easy Baby the next year. Dillard would score two more hits, in 1953 with her signature song, Mercy Mr Percy, and in 1955 with Johnny Has Gone, the latter a tribute song to singer Johnny Ace who had died of an unintentional self-inflicted gunshot wound. Dillard recorded as a solo artist through the early-1960s, but would be unable to repeat her earlier success. Later she would sing with gospel group the Tri-Odds, and work as a music therapist with chronically ill children. Dillard died of cancer at age 60 ~ Dillard passed away in 1993
February 3, 1928 ~ Frank Ableson, commonly known as singer Frankie Vaughan, was born in Liverpool, UK ~ English easy listening singer actively recording since the early-1950s. Known as “Mr Moonlight” after one of his early hits, Give Me The Moonlight (Give Me The Girl). Best known for his covers of American hit songs by Perry Como, Jimmie Rodgers, Guy Mitchell, Jim Lowe, Boyd Bennet, and the Fleetwoods ~ Abelson passed away in 1999
February 3, 1921 ~ George Owen Smith, commonly known as bandleader, conductor, arranger, composer Reg Owen, born in Hackney, UK ~ Worked with Teddy Joyce, the Royal Kiltie Juniors, Benny Glassman, Ted Heath, Cyril Stapleton, and others. Best known as a film composer, starting with 1957's A Date With Disaster. Scored a 1959 American hit with Manhattan Spiritual, which peaked at No.10 Billboard ~ Smith passed away in 1978
February 3, 1919 ~ Eugene Edward Young, commonly known as trumpeter Snooky Young, born in Dayton, Ohio, USA ~ Worked with Count Basie, Gerald Wilson, Lionel Hampton, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Doc Severinsen, the Tonight Show Band, the Band, Norris Turney, Booty Wood, Richard Tee, Cornell Dupree, Marshal Royal, Ross Tompkins, Freddie Green, Ray Brown, Louie Bellson, Ray Charles, Milt Jackson, Sam Jones, Mark Murphy, Oliver Nelson, Charles Mingus, Quincy Jones, Ray Bryant, Herbie Mann, Chico O'Farrill, JJ Johnson, Lalo Schifrin, Maria Muldaur, Gene Ammons, BB King, Tracy Chapman, Gerald Wilson, and others ~ Young passed away in 2011
February 3, 1915 ~ Jazz pianist Bill Miller born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Best known for his association with Frank Sinatra, backing the singer on stage and on record for the better part of some five decades starting in the early-1950s. Miller also performed One For My Baby (And One More For The Road) at Sinatra's funeral. Miller has also worked with Red Norvo, Mildred Bailey, Charlie Barnet, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, and the last years of his life with Sinatra's son Frank Sinatra Jr ~ Miller passed away in 2006
February 3, 1911 ~ Organist, composer Jehan Alain, full name Jehan Aristide Alain, born in St-Germain-en-Laye, France ~ Son of Albert Alain, brother of Olivier Alain and Marie-Claire Alain, all renowned organists. Influenced by Claude Debussy. Composed until the outbreak of World War II, serving as a dispatch rider in the French Army where he was killed in action in the Battle of Saumur ~ Alain passed away in 1940
February 3, 1911 ~ Blues guitarist, singer Jesse Thomas, also known as Jesse Babyface Thomas, born in Logansport, Louisiana, USA ~ Brother of country blues singer, slide guitarist Ramblin' Thomas. Dubbed “the Blues Troubadour” and best known for his 1929 recording Blue Goose Blues. Would continue to record throughout the 1950s and perform locally throughout the 1990s ~ Thomas passed away in 1995
February 3, 1906 ~ Herbert Feuerman, commonly known as jazz, big band bandleader, violinist Bert Firman, born in London, UK ~ Popular bandleader from the 1920s through the 1940s. Employed sidemen such as Sylvester Ahola, Chelsea Quealey, Frank Guarente, Arhur Lally, Danny Polo, Max Goldberg, Sam Costa, Freddy Gardner, Ivor Mairants, George Melachrino, Stéphane Grappelli, Django Reinhardt. Staff musician, musical director for Zonophone Records, recording some 750 sides for them during the 1920s alone. Guest conductor with the NBC Orchestra in 1929, becoming the first British bandleader to broadcast in America ~ Feuerman passed away in 1999
February 3, 1898 ~ Lilian Hardin, commonly known as pianist, singer, songwriter Lil' Armstrong, was born in Memphis, Tennessee, USA ~ Second wife of Louis Armstrong, whom she convinced to leave King Oliver's band and pursue a solo career. As a composer known for songs such as Strutting With Some Barbecue, Don't Jive Me, Two Deuces, Knee Drops, Doing The Suzie Q, Just For A Thrill (a 1959 hit for Ray Charles), Clip Joint, Bad Boy (a 1978 hit for Ringo Starr), and others ~ Armstrong passed away in 1971
February 3, 1896 ~ Thomas Valentine, commonly known as jazz trumpeter, bandleader Kid Thomas Valentine, born in Reserve, Louisiana, USA ~ Rose to prominence in the early-1920s with a hot distinctive, at times percussive style. Would front his own ensembles by the mid-1920s. Has worked with Kid Ory, Jack Teagarden, Louis Armstrong, Louis Nelson, Big Bill Bissonnette, John Robichaux, Preston Jackson, and others ~ Valentine passed away in 1987